Chinese police are searching for a North Korean border guard who deserted his post.

The Internet site "Daily NK" on Thursday said Chinese authorities have begun to conduct checks on passers-by and residents around China's border with the North to find the deserter.

An official said Chinese authorities are beefing up security to arrest the armed soldier "Park."

Given Pyongyang's special request for Park's capture, the official said the fugitive is apparently an important figure in the North or a high-ranking military officer.